Sara Naison-Tarajano - Goldman Sachs’ Family Office Whisperer | #590

Today’s guest is Sara Naison-Tarajano, Global Head of Private Wealth Management Capital Markets and Goldman Sachs Apex. Sara has been at Goldman Sachs for over 25 years, and currently leads a worldwide platform that delivers multi-asset trading, financing, and direct-investment opportunities to some of the firm’s largest family offices. In today’s episode, Sara runs through her career at Goldman Sachs, and the distinct approach required for family office investing. She explores the unique balance of risk management and growth that helps protect generational wealth, as well as the importance of alternatives in these strategies. Finally, Sara covers networking opportunities, market insights, and the most common challenges that affect family offices.

Dan Rasmussen & D.A. Wallach on The Future of Biotech and Healthcare | #589

Today’s guests are Dan Rasmussen, founder of Verdad Advisers, and D.A. Wallach, a venture capital investor for Time BioVentures and an acclaimed recording artist. Pharrell Williams discovered D.A.’s band Chester French and signed the group to Interscope Records. In today’s episode, Dan & D.A. discuss the current state of biotech, the impact of AI on healthcare, and the role of innovative treatments in transforming patient care. The three also touch on the shifting narrative of private equity, tax strategies, venture capital returns, and much more.

Victor Haghani on Predicting the Market and Disciplined Asset Allocation | #588

Today’s guest is Victor Haghani, founder and CIO of Elm Wealth, which focuses on managing wealth with an emphasis on diversification, low fees, and tax efficiency. He’s also the author of The Missing Billionaires: A Guide to Better Financial Decisions. In today’s episode, Victor explores the Crystal Ball challenge, and how position sizing can be even more important than knowing tomorrow’s news headlines. He also addresses the role of disciplined asset allocation in investment strategy, and how foreign stocks might stack up against US equities going forward. Finally, Victor touches on the relationship between expected return, fair value, and mean reversion, and whether or not the markets have a fair value at all.

Rob Arnott & Cam Harvey on Passive Investing Risks, The AI Boom & Stimulus That Doesn’t Stimulate | #587

Today’s guests are Rob Arnott, founder and Chairman of the board of Research Affiliates, and Campbell Harvey, Head of Research at Research Affiliates and Professor of Finance at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University. In today’s episode, Rob and Cam touch on the state of value investing in a megacap dominated market, emphasizing the potential consequences of large scale passive investing. They also touch on the rapid change presented by AI, what it may be capable of, and its impacts on how we should view investing. Finally, they address the global investing environment and macro trends, instability, and the role of government in changing world markets.

Whitney Baker on the End of ‘Buy the Dip’ & the American Bubble | #586

Today we’re joined by Whitney Baker, founder of Totem Macro and one of the sharpest minds in macro investing. Whitney was previously the head of Emerging Markets at Bridgewater Associates and worked at Soros Fund Management under current Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. In today’s episode, Whitney discusses the current macroeconomic landscape, emphasizing the end of the ‘buy the dip’ mentality and the unique challenges the U.S. faces as the bubble finally comes to an end. She touches on the challenges and opportunities in emerging markets, the impact of tariffs & AI on global growth dynamics, and ‘The Triple Yasu’ phenomenon. Finally, Whitney addresses the role of gold in investment portfolios, advocating for its inclusion as a hedge against currency debasement and economic uncertainty.

Kim Flynn - Unlocking Alternative Investments | #585

Today’s guest is Kim Flynn, President of XA Investments, which helps provide access to alternative investments. She was previously the Head of Product Development for Nuveen Investments Global Structured Products Group. In today’s episode, Meb and Kim discuss the democratization of alternative investments in relation to the recent explosion of interval funds. Then, Kim covers the challenges and opportunities in the interval fund space, and the potential for innovation with different asset classes, and best practices for advisors and investors interested in these products.

Cole Wilcox on The Power Law of Investing | #584

Today’s guest is Cole Wilcox, CIO of Longboard Asset Management, a boutique asset manager specializing in alternative investment strategies. In today’s episode, Cole walks through one of my favorite papers of all time, Does Trend-Following Still Work On Stocks? Hint: it does. Cole explains why you have to be a good loser to be a good investor, how power laws dominate the stock market, and the set up for trend following going forward.

Apollo's Alex Wright on The Role of Private Markets in Modern Portfolios | #583

Today’s guest is Alex Wright, Global Wealth Strategist at Apollo. In today’s episode, Alex discusses the fragility of public markets, citing high valuations, rising correlations, and limited diversification opportunities, which prompt a need to reassess traditional 60/40 portfolios. Then he walks through the opportunity in private markets, including private equity, private credit and infrastructure. Alex explains why private assets can offer a potential pathway to enhanced diversification and capture opportunities in an expanding and evolving investment universe.

BCG’s Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak on Global Macro: Recession Risk, Tariffs, Debt Dynamics | #582

Today’s guest is Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, Global Chief Economist at BCG and author Shocks, Crises, and False Alarms: How to Assess True Macroeconomic Risk. In today’s episode, Philipp starts by sharing his framework to assess macroeconomic risk, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing global conditions. Then he applies that framework to the world today and shares his view on tariffs and changing trade relations, the impact of AI on labor and the deflationary effects of technology. He also covers global currencies, including the dollar and gold, and if he believes we are headed for a recession.

Jeremy Grantham, John Arnold & Sam Zell Share Most Memorable Investments | #581

Today’s episode features the most memorable investments from Jeremy Grantham, John Arnold and Sam Zell.

Carl Kawaja – Navigating the Investment Landscape: AI, Tariffs, Sports Gambling & More | #580

Today’s guest is Carl Kawaja, a Portfolio Manager with Capital Group for over three decades. In today’s episode, Carl shares insights into his investment philosophy, early experiences, and the current market landscape. He discusses the transformative impact of AI on semiconductor demand, the challenges posed by tariffs and supply chain dynamics, and the evolving landscape of sports gambling. Carl also reflects on the enduring value of certain companies, particularly in the context of evolving market conditions.

UBS’ Paul Donovan on Tariff Trouble, Swiftonomics & Republican Swings | #579

Today’s guest is Paul Donovan, Chief Economist of UBS Global Wealth Management. In today’s episode, Paul discusses the impact of structural changes in the economy, particularly in relation to flexible working and demographic shifts. The discussion also touches on the disparities in innovation between the US and Europe, the ongoing trend of spending on experiences rather than goods, and the role of AI in enhancing productivity.

Francois Rochon - Outperforming the Market for 30+ Years Through Patience, Humility & Rationality | #578

Today’s guest is Francois Rochon, the President of Giverny Capital, which has returned over 15% per year for over 30 years. In today’s episode, Francois walks through the influence of Peter Lynch and Warren Buffett on his investment philosophy. He highlights three principles that have helped him navigate market cycles in his career: patience, humility and rationality. We also walk through some of the lessons learned from his investment mistakes, which he highlights in his annual letters.

UBS' Mark Haefele – The New Rules of Investing From A $4 Trillion Investment Advisor | #577

Today’s guest is Mark Haefele, the Chief Investment Officer of UBS Global Wealth Management where he advises on over $4 trillion. He’s also the author of ‘The New Rules of Investing.’ In today’s episode, Mark emphasizes the significant role of government spending in shaping investment decisions. He touches on the importance of asset allocation and discusses the challenges of generational wealth transfer. Mark also introduces the concept of the three L's—liquidity, longevity, and legacy—as a framework for effective portfolio management.

Christopher Zook - Accessing Private Markets (Pro Sports Teams, Private Equity & GP Stakes)

Today’s guest is Christopher Zook, founder and Chief Investment Officer of CAZ Investments, which has invested $8 billion and is one of the top 180 allocators to private equity in the world. In today’s episode, Christopher explains what led him to build his firm with a focus on private markets. He walks through some of the investment themes he’s focused on: GP stakes, professional sports franchises and digital disruption. He also addresses how he mitigates risk and handles illiquidity with each theme.

Barry Ritholtz - Debunking Investment BULLSH$T! | #575

Today’s guest is Barry Ritholtz, Chairman, and CIO of Ritholtz Wealth Management, which manages over $5.7 billion for 3,900 families. His latest book, ‘How Not to Invest,’ offers a blueprint to help you make better decisions and achieve financial success. In today’s episode, Barry & I discuss the pitfalls of relying on experts for investment advice, the dangers of panic selling, the allure of following investment gurus, and the value of meaningful experiences over material possessions.

Buy Stock Where You Shop With Grifin | Aaron Froug | #574

Today’s guest is Aaron Froug, founder of Grifin, the company that helps you buy stock where you shop. In today’s episode, Aaron explains how the app connects everyday spending with investing by automatically buying stock in a company you make a purchase from. Meb & Aaron also touch on financial literacy, the benefits of consumer loyalty, and the future for the company. New users earn a $25 bonus by using the code INVEST.

Jacqueline Faber: A Journey into Dark Academia | #573

Today’s guest is Jacqueline Faber, the author of The Department … and Meb’s wife! In today’s special episode, Meb & Jacqueline discuss the book’s themes, including trauma, memory, and the impact of the Kitty Genovese case. They both talk about how they approach the writing process, the art of getting noticed in a crowded market, and how to engage your audience with unreasonable hospitality. Be sure to get a copy of The Department today and leave a review!

MEBISODE: Can We All Invest Like Yale?

In today’s Mebisode, Meb reads his latest paper, “Can We All Invest Like Yale?”

Goldman Sachs’ Peter Oppenheimer on Concentration, Corrections & What To Do Next | #572

Today’s guest is Peter Oppenheimer, Goldman Sachs’ Chief Global Equity Strategist and Head of Macro Research. He’s also the author of Any Happy Returns: Structural Changes and Super Cycles in Markets, which explains how cycles help explain investor returns. In today’s episode, Peter discusses how structural changes in macroeconomic drivers, geopolitics, government policy and social attitudes all combine to drive secular super cycles that help to explain investor returns. Then he focuses on what he calls the Post-Modern Cycle, which features a higher cost of capital, bigger governments and less globalization. He also touches on how AI and de-carbonization may impact financial market returns and opportunities. Throughout the episode, Peter emphasizes the need for diversification in investment strategies to both manage risk and enhance returns.